The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations

This resource tracked statements, developments, visits, and other interactions in US-Indo-Pacific relations under the President Trump administration. Special focus was given to the comments and activities of President Donald J. Trump; Vice President Mike Pence; United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Jr.; former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson; former Secretary of Defense James Mattis; and former Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper.

Methodology

All Posts

Secretary Pompeo's Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue

"I am delighted to be making my first trip to India as the Secretary of State now 16 weeks into my time, and especially because I’m here for this important first 2+2 Strategic Dialogue between our two countries. It is a clear demonstration the United States places in terms of priority on the relationship between the United States and India.

Our partnership has been steadily growing since Prime Minister Modi visited the White House last June. President Trump is eager for it to continue, and…

Secretary Mattis's Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue

"In our two nations, as reservoirs of religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity, and as proud maritime peoples, we see the U.S.-India relationship as a natural partnership between the world’s two largest democracies, a partnership that is based on convergence of enduring strategic interests and shared respect for the rules-based order.

Our discussion today is a testament to the power of free peoples. I note that over seven decades ago this week, the United States established diplomatic relations with India, prior to its formal independence. Today…

Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on India and North Korea

North Korea

"So as I’ve said consistently as we’ve been continuing to work with the North Koreans to deliver on the world’s demands, the UN Security Council resolutions, which demand a number of things from North Korea and from no one else. There’s only country that has a commitment under those Security Council resolutions.

As I’ve said before, I’m not going to talk about ongoing negotiations, discussions that we’re having, with the North Koreans. We will work – we will continue to work with them to…

Secretary Pompeo's Closing Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue

"This is my first trip to India as Secretary of State, and it is an honor to travel here for such an important and successful event. Later today, Secretary Mattis and I will meet with Prime Minister Modi. We look forward to discussing how best to advance the U.S.-India relationship, one that is in a new era of growth under his leadership and that of President Trump.

Today’s 2+2 meeting is symbolic of our increasingly close partnership. We had many productive and forward-thinking conversations on…

Secretary Mattis's Closing Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue

"Since India gained its independence in 1947, our nations have shared a fundamental respect and love of freedom. Just three years after India’s independence, Prime Minister Nehru visited the United States – in his words, and I quote – “On a voyage of discovery of the mind and heart of America.” Today, Secretary Pompeo and I bring the same spirit that Prime Minister Nehru carried to Washington almost 70 years ago, promoting the cooperation which both our countries earnestly desire. Today’s successful and highly productive…

Secretaries Pompeo and Mattis's Meeting With Indian Prime Minister Modi

"Today Secretary Pompeo, jointly with Secretary Mattis, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Secretary Pompeo conveyed the importance attached by President Trump to the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India, and U.S. support for India’s role as a leading global power and regional security provider. Secretary Pompeo discussed with Prime Minister Modi joint efforts to safeguard the Indo-Pacific as a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity. Secretary Pompeo noted the important role people-to-people ties play in the bilateral relationship and…

Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj

"Secretary Pompeo met today in New Delhi, India with Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj ahead of the opening of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Swaraj discussed joint efforts to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The Secretary and Minister Swaraj also discussed efforts to expand the bilateral trade relationship, the importance of moving forward on civil-nuclear cooperation, and the goal of deepening people-to-people ties."

Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis’ participation at the India 2+2 Dialogue

"On September 6, India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hosted Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mattis in New Delhi for the first U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue.

The 2+2 is a demonstrable signal of the U.S. and India’s shared commitment to a forward-looking strategic partnership based on shared values and strategic interests.

Both sides welcomed the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), an agreement that will deepen our interoperability and facilitate India’s access to advanced…

Media Availability by Secretary Mattis En Route to India

"So we are coming -- Secretary Pompeo and I -- are coming to New Delhi for the continued consultations. And I believe we will be reaffirming much of our shared vision for the region, alongside our Indian counterparts, Minister Swaraj and Minister Sitharaman, during this first two-plus-two meeting between the U.S. and India at the ministerial level. [...] Secretary Pompeo and I will also meet with Prime Minister Modi and National Security Advisor Devol to reinforce our appreciation for India's role in that regional and…

Previewing Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mattis' Upcoming U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Trip

"The 2+2 is a major opportunity to enhance our engagement with India on critical diplomatic and security priorities. I [State Department official giving the briefing]know that Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mattis are honored to be making – excuse me, Secretary Pompeo is honored to be making his first trip to India as Secretary of State for such an important event. I [State Department official giving the briefing] should also add that we are grateful to External Affairs Minister Swaraj, Defense Minister Sitharaman, and the Indian…

Passing of Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

"On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the recent passing of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

We know that many Indians will reflect on Prime Minister Vajpayee’s many contributions that led to India’s rise as a global and economic power. He championed tirelessly for his country’s development and demonstrated a devotion to improving the lives of every Indian. Standing before the United States Congress in 2000, he famously characterized…